This study will explore the possible cause of unexplained, or idiopathic, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid, life-threatening, severe reaction that occurs suddenly after contact with an allergy-causing substance, usually a particular food, drug or stinging insect. The allergen triggers mast cells to release several substances, including histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms that may occur, such as flushing, hives, swelling of the palms and soles or tongue and vocal cords, nasal congestion, itching and tearing of the eyes, shortness of breath and wheezing, stomach pain, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, shock, and, rarely, death. Severe episodes of anaphylaxis are treated with epinephrine (adrenaline), followed by oral antihistamines and steroids. In more than half of cases of anaphylaxis, a clear cause is not identified. These cases are called idiopathic anaphylaxis. There is no cure or long-term preventive therapy for patients with recurrent episodes of idiopathic anaphylaxis.

People between 18 and 55 years of age who have idiopathic anaphylaxis episodes at least 6 times a year (with at least one episode every 3 months) may be eligible for this study.

Participants are evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center with the following tests and procedures:

Medical history, physical examination and blood tests.

Bone marrow biopsy. For this test, the skin over the hipbone and the outer surface of the hipbone itself are numbed with local anesthesia. Then, a needle is inserted into the hipbone and a small amount of bone marrow is drawn into a syringe. The needle also cuts a small core of bone marrow, which is removed for analysis.

Other tests that may be needed for evaluation of the patient s condition.

Further study details as provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC):

Primary Outcome Measures:

Clinical samples obtained from the bone marrow biopsy and whole blood will be used to determine genetic and signaling abnormalities in mast cells and will be correlated with clinical features of idiopathic anaphylaxis. [ Time Frame: 11/01/19 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Clinical samples obtained from the bone marrow biopsy and whole blood will be used investigate the presence or absence of a monoclonal mast cell disorder. Human mast cells will be also culturedfrom blood to search for functional and genetic a... [ Time Frame: Ongoing ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Estimated Enrollment:

100

Study Start Date:

July 2008

Detailed Description:

Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction resulting from the release of mediators from mast cells and basophils, and is characterized by the presence of cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. Although the most common causes of anaphylaxis are reactions to foods, pharmaceutical agents, and stinging insects, a causative factor is not identified in up to 50% of individuals with recurrent anaphylaxis. These individuals are thus said to have idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA). The mechanistic cause of IA remains uncertain, although elevated levels of urinary histamine, plasma histamine, and serum tryptase are consistent with mast cell activation.

This protocol will focus on the pathogenesis of IA. Subjects 13-70 years old with episodes of unexplained anaphylaxis will be evaluated in order to correlate both clinical and laboratory features that are typical of idiopathic anaphylaxis to identify genetic and molecular pathways that may predispose to these events and to determine signaling abnormalities in mast cells. We plan to enroll up to 100 subjects in this study. We anticipate that our findings will be a first step toward the development of novel targeted therapies.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

13 Years to 60 Years (Child, Adult)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

INCLUSION:

Subject must be at least 13 years of age and no older than 70 years of age.

Diagnosis of anaphylaxis occurring in the absence of an identifiable provoking agent of stimulus (Idiopathic Anaphylaxis [IA]) by a referral physician. Patient may carry both the diagnosis of 1A and the diagnosis of anaphylaxis provoked by an identified stimulus.

History of anaphylaxis with a minimum of 3 episodes in the past year.

One doctor's office or ER visit or hospitalization for anaphylaxis without an established etiology with involvement of the skin and/or mucosal tissue (e.g., flushing, itching, hives, angioedema, tongue swelling) and at least one of the following:

Letter of referral from prospective study participant's referring physician, with copies of available medical evaluation and laboratory studies

Able and willing to consider a bone marrow biopsy and aspirate

EXCLUSION:

Presence of conditions which in the judgment of the investigator or the referring physician may put the subject at undue risk for travel (including frequent episodes of IA not preventable by pre-medication, acute infection, severe thrombocytopenia [minimum platelet count of 30,000], or significant cardiovascular disease)

Any medical condition that in the view of the principal investigator would make the subject unsuitable for enrollment in this study (such as advanced renal disease).

Inability to provide informed consent.

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00719719